How to Wash Eyelashes

Co-authored by Alicia Ramos

Last Updated: February 12, 2022 References

Whether you wear false lashes, eyelash extensions, or just rock your natural eyelashes as they are, keeping your eyelashes clean is an important part of your self-care ritual. Invest in an oil-free makeup remover like micellar water to keep your eyelashes clean while treating them gently. Keep your face clean and avoid wearing too much makeup to make cleaning your eyelashes easier.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Washing False Eyelashes

1
Remove your lashes by gently tugging from the outside corner. Use a thumb and 1 finger to hold the outer corner of your lashes. Then, peel the lashes off towards the inner corner.^{[1]
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- Use clean hands to remove and clean your lashes.
- Be gentle so that you don't rip out your natural lashes.
2
Use a cotton bud soaked in makeup remover to wipe away glue.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Alicia Ramos
Skincare Professional
Expert Interview. 12 June 2019.} Dip a cotton bud in an oil-free makeup remover, like micellar water. Gently rub it along your lash line and the strip of the false lashes.^{[3]
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- You can also use rubbing alcohol to take glue off of the false lashes.
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3
Comb through the lashes using a fresh cotton bud and makeup remover. Soak a fresh cotton bud in makeup remover. Then, gently run it along the lashes to remove any mascara, bacteria, and buildup leftover on the lashes.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Alicia Ramos
Skincare Professional
Expert Interview. 12 June 2019.}^{[5]
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Research source}
- Avoid wearing mascara on false eyelashes to make cleaning them easier.
4
Let the lashes air dry on a paper towel.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Alicia Ramos
Skincare Professional
Expert Interview. 12 June 2019.} Never squeeze your fake lashes to dry them. Instead, leave them on a paper towel to air dry.^{[7]
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- This is the gentlest option to keep your lashes lasting longer.
5
Mist the lashes with 96-99% alcohol to kill bacteria. Wait until your lashes are completely dry. Use a spray bottle to lightly mist the lashes with alcohol.^{[8]
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- Only spray synthetic fiber lashes with alcohol.
6
Store clean lashes in their cases.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Alicia Ramos
Skincare Professional
Expert Interview. 12 June 2019.} To make sure your eyelashes stay clean between uses, store them in the case they came in, as long as it can be sealed. If the lashes start to lose their shape or lose hairs, toss them out.^{[10]
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- Don't reuse single-use lashes.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Maintaining Clean Eyelash Extensions

1
Apply oil-free makeup remover to your eyelids with one finger.^{[11]
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Expert Source

Karina Villalta
Certified Esthetician
Expert Interview. 19 August 2020.} To take your makeup off at the end of the day, use an oil-free makeup remover. Eyelash extensions can get caught on cotton fibers, so use your finger to apply it rather than a cotton swab.^{[12]
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- Use your ring finger to apply the makeup remover for a gentle touch.
2
Rub your eyelids gently with a damp washcloth. Since you won't be able to clean your eyelids as vigorously as you can without extensions, you'll need to remove buildup.^{[13]
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Expert Source

Karina Villalta
Certified Esthetician
Expert Interview. 19 August 2020.} Use a washcloth soaked in warm water to gently rinse away any residue every day.^{[14]
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- Add a drop or two of baby shampoo to the washcloth to clean your eyelids more thoroughly.
3
Use a specialized eyelash extension cleaner if your tech recommends it. Depending on what kind of eyelash extensions you have, your eyelash technician might recommend a specialized cleaner.^{[15]
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Expert Source

Karina Villalta
Certified Esthetician
Expert Interview. 19 August 2020.} These can be expensive, so be sure to ask your technician if you'll need one before getting extensions.^{[16]
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Research source}
- Alternatively, you can use diluted baby shampoo mixed with distilled water and baking soda.
- Micellar water usually also does a good job of cleaning most eyelash extensions.^{[17]
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  Expert Source
  
  Alicia Ramos
  Skincare Professional
  Expert Interview. 12 June 2019.}
4
Avoid oily products in your skincare routine. The most important aspect of keeping eyelashes clean and long-lasting is avoiding putting any oil on your face. Switch out any skincare products that have oil in them.^{[18]
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- Micellar water works well for gentle cleaning.
5
Stay away from wearing mascara entirely. Applying and removing mascara daily can take a toll on your lashes, so avoid wearing it as much as possible. Also stay away from powder or glitter eyeshadows.^{[19]
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- If you want to wear mascara, look for an extension-safe formula.
- Go for a gel or liquid eyeliner, rather than a pencil or powder.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Cleaning Natural Eyelashes

1
Wash your face daily with a gentle cleanser.^{[20]
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Expert Source

Alicia Ramos
Skincare Professional
Expert Interview. 12 June 2019.} Keeping your eyelashes clean starts with keeping your face clean. Find a skincare routine that works well with your skin, and it will most likely help keep your eyelashes healthy, as well.^{[21]
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- Try using a gentle cleanser to wash your face in the morning and in the evening. Follow up your cleaning with a moisturizer.
2
Remove any makeup you wore at the end of the day.^{[22]
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Expert Source

Karina Villalta
Certified Esthetician
Expert Interview. 19 August 2020.} To keep your eyelashes clean and healthy, take off all of your makeup at the end of the day. Use a cotton pad and makeup remover to remove makeup around the eyes.^{[23]
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- It is especially important to remove mascara and eye makeup.
3
Rinse your eyelashes with baby shampoo if you have flakey eyelids. If your eyelids are greasy, flakey, or easily irritated, they might need a little extra cleaning. Dilute 2-3 drops of baby shampoo in 6 tablespoons (89 mL) of warm water. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply it to each eyelid for 15-30 seconds. Then, rinse each eyelid with fresh, warm water.^{[24]
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- Rinse your eyelids once a day.
4
Apply lanolin or coconut oil to hydrate your eyelashes once a week. Dip a cotton swab in a little bit of lanolin oil or coconut oil. Then, gently rub the oil into your eyelid where the roots of your eyelashes are.^{[25]
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- This conditions your eyelashes and can help make them look fuller over time.
- Condition your eyelashes on a morning when you won't wear eye makeup.
5
Give your eyes a day off from makeup once a week. Wearing eye makeup every day can be irritating for your eyelids and lashes. Try going without mascara and eye makeup once a week to give your skin a break.^{[26]
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- Try to keep wearing false eyelashes to special occasions. Applying and removing false eyelashes can irritate your eyelids.

Expert Q&A
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Question

Are you supposed to clean your eyelashes?

Karina Villalta
Certified Esthetician
Karina Villalta is a certified Esthetician and Owner of Oh Sweet and Sugar and Shears, a skincare and hair removal service located in Seattle and Kirkland, Washington. With over eight years of experience, Karina specializes in eyebrow shaping, a hair removal technique called sugaring, and organic facials. Karina started her career and was trained at Benefit Cosmetics Brow Bar. Since opening her own business, Karina ensures her clients are educated about their skin and helps them implement personalized skincare routines.

Karina Villalta

Certified Esthetician

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

It's important to make sure all your makeup is removed from your lashes at the end of each day. If you have lash extensions, you should also be cleaning them with a mild cleanser. Those who don't have extensions but get lash lifts should consider using a lash conditioner daily.
Question

How can I get thicker lashes?

Karina Villalta
Certified Esthetician
Karina Villalta is a certified Esthetician and Owner of Oh Sweet and Sugar and Shears, a skincare and hair removal service located in Seattle and Kirkland, Washington. With over eight years of experience, Karina specializes in eyebrow shaping, a hair removal technique called sugaring, and organic facials. Karina started her career and was trained at Benefit Cosmetics Brow Bar. Since opening her own business, Karina ensures her clients are educated about their skin and helps them implement personalized skincare routines.

Karina Villalta

Certified Esthetician

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

The best way to grow thicker lashes is to use a lash growth serum. The way many of these serums work is by prolonging the anagen, or growth, phase of the lash hair.